The future of Philippine cycling is looking brighter than ever.
The recent Solid North Larga Pilipinas race put the spotlight on 18-year-old Novo Ecijano standout Darius John Villaseñor, who delivered a breakout performance against seasoned professionals. Supported by Smart Communications, Red Dynasty Seafood and Hotpot, and Smart Sports, the young Victoria Sports rider stunned many as he secured second place in the grueling 143.68-km opening stage from Nampicuan to Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija.
In his debut at a major pro event, Villaseñor joined the chase group trailing 2:45 behind. Displaying maturity beyond his age, he powered up Mt. Balungao in Pangasinan, bridging the gap to solo leader and eventual stage winner Marc Ryan Lago of Go for Gold Continental Team.
Stage 2—a 90-km route from Nampicuan to Sitio Baag, San Jose, Tarlac—showcased even more of his potential. Backed by strong teamwork, Villaseñor reached the base of the Monasterio de Tarlac climb alongside yellow jersey holder Lago. As the incline steepened, the young climber launched a decisive attack, breaking away solo and opening a lead of more than a minute over a chasing group filled with top names: former three-time national champion Jonel Carcueva, international veteran Emmanuel Dave Montemayor, and 2018 Le Tour de Filipinas champion El Joshua Cariño.
Villaseñor’s dominant solo ride earned him an impressive 1:57:13 finish, while Montemayor and 7-Eleven’s RRking Roque crossed 2:45 later. Lago clocked 2:00:12, finishing 5th behind Dreyna’s Erickson Delos Santos.
“Kaya ko po yung ahon kasi yun talaga ang nilalaro ko mula nung nagsimula akong mag-bike—kaya di na ako lumingon pa sa likod,” said Villaseñor, son of former Marlboro Tour rider Dennis Villaseñor. He added that early rides in Bongabon and Tanawan, often alongside international rider Marcelo Felipe, molded him into a natural climber.
Fresh off ruling the 18-under class at the Larga Pilipinas People’s Race last August, Villaseñor’s latest win has now introduced him to millions of Filipino cycling fans and solidified his status as a top developmental rider under Victoria Sports.
But Villaseñor is not the only discovery. Larga Pilipinas continues to uncover rising stars in multiple divisions—including men’s and women’s 18-under, 23-under, 23-29, MTB open, amateur categories, and seven more groups for hobbyists—thanks to support from the Philippine Sports Commission, PhilCycling, Senators Bong Go and Manny Pacquiao, Midas Smart Resources, Hytera, Chickyfam, Scratchit, PusoP.com, Yamaha, and Titan Ultra.
More than 6,000 riders participated across the two-day, nearly 200-km challenge covering Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Pangasinan—three of the country’s key cycling hubs.
To support grassroots development under POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Larga Pilipinas offered free races, awarding cash prizes and raffling off three Yamaha PG-1 motorcycles to Jericho Jay Lucero (Go for Gold), U23 standout Aaron Alcala, and MTB Open champion Michael Munda.
“Our mission is to promote cycling nationwide and revive its popularity,” said Larga Pilipinas Project Director Nica Lim. “Cycling is the first sport many Filipinos learn—so why shouldn’t it be one of the most popular? With the support of Solid North, Smart, PSC, Yamaha, and Titan Ultra, we’re working to bring cycling back to the top.”
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